Kyoto: Peak Colors

Following on from my report yesterday from Tokyo where colors had at last reached their peak, I spent today checking on four of the most popular leaf viewing spots in Kyoto. Here, a period of unseasonably warm weather has delayed the course of things by 1-2 weeks compared to the average, with spectacular scenes now unfolding throughout the city.

The season was quite at its peak at all four of today's locations, making this the perfect time to enjoy the spectacular autumn colors Kyoto is famous for. While brilliant red maple foliage can already be seen throughout the city however, I also noticed a good amount of still changing or even quite green maple leaves, suggesting there will still be some flashes of red to enjoy well into mid-December.

I began my day at Tofukuji, a large temple complex in the Higashiyama district and one of the city's five most important Zen temples. Here, the valley of maples leading up to the famous Tsutenkyo Bridge were right at their peak, forming a breathtaking red and yellow canopy.

Inside the temple's paid area, visitors can look out from the Tsutenkyo Bridge itself, and explore a little strolling garden leading down into the little valley. Looking up at the foliage from ground level, I was able to spot a lot more green and yellow leaves, which should keep the autumnal atmosphere going for some time even after the upper layer has faded. Overall, I expect the scenery to be at or close to its peak for at least another week.

After Tofukuji, my next stop was at Kiyomizudera, another of Kyoto's most celebrated temples, known for the wooden stage jutting out from its main building over a thickly wooded hillside. Here also I found the maples right at their peak, filling in the scenery with glorious swaths of red, orange and yellow.

Making my way around the main walking route and down into the valley, I also noticed a few green leaves, making me think that the peak window should continue here for a while longer. Overall, I predict an excellent viewing experience for about another week.

Next on my list was Nanzenji - a Zen temple on the city's east side and another popular autumn spot, today in fine peak form, with plenty of orange and yellow foliage on display in its central area.

Over by the large brick aqueduct that passes somewhat incongruously through the temple grounds, I found some fresher-looking trees that I would expect to hold onto their color well into the middle part of the month.

I rounded off a very enjoyable day at Eikando, a temple belonging to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism located just a few minutes' walk north of Nanzenji. This soon turned out to be yet another highlight, with brilliant swaths of red and yellow foliage ringing the pond garden and forming tunnels over walking paths.

While I was also able to find soome less advanced looking trees tucked away in sheltered spots that have yet to reach their best, overall the temple grounds have been at or close to peak for a while, so there may just be a few more days left to get the best experience.